Channel Z

The event industry continues to evolve and requires event organizers to stay on the cutting-edge of trends, best practices and technology solutions. Through experiences and lessons learned, our Channel Z blog offers you ideas and opportunities to elevate your next event.

I recently had the opportunity to speak on behalf of the Incentive Research Foundation (IRF) at the ADME International conference about the perception between DMC’s and Event Professionals. The panel included Jana Stern, Voya, and Steve Bova, moderated by Cosimo Bruzzese with Briggs, Inc. The IRF study reveals these perspectives and provides recommendations to improve market share and value positioning. Read …

Damon Riddle hosts a panel with Todd Zint, CMP, CMM, VP, Meetings & Event Strategy, NFP, Greg Bogue, VP, Maritz, and Mike May, President, Spear One, addressing questions from the audience tied to current environmental pressures and trends in the meetings and events space. With decades of experience in the industry between the three individuals, this recording panel conversation is …

Hilton launched the Hilton Elevated Discussion (HED Talks), which is a video series showcasing thought leadership from various meeting industry professionals and travel industry influencers. I had the opportunity to discuss a true passion of mine, event technology. So many event organizers identify the event technology solution prior to developing a strategy. Listen in on the interview which discusses developing an …

I was invited to participate in an industry roundtable with several colleagues representing different sectors in the incentive market space. The article discusses several trends and best practices within events, as well as, optional merchandise and gift card strategies. Check out the full article. In addition to the article, I was featured in a interview regarding my experience with the …

Financial Insurance Conference Planners (FICP) association has given me the tools, resources and industry friends that have elevated my career. Over the past four years as a FICP board member and last year as the organization’s Chairman, I have experienced unconditional friendships that have been tested and personal goals that have been exceeded. As the outgoing chair, and concluding my …

Do you ever get tired of seeing the same promotional videos at association meetings announcing their next meeting, conference or incentive? As the FICP board chairman, I felt it was time to take the announcement video to another level, adding a unique twist to the 2014 FICP Association annual trip announcement. Thanks to my great friends with the Hawaiian CVB (Kathy Dever), …

There are many reasons why one decides to aspire to be a leader of a national organization. There were several motivators which influenced me to climb the “volunteer ladder” including a genuine passion for the entire FICP community, giving back to an organization that has given me so much, and the opportunity to rally an experienced board of directors, hospitality partners, …

2010 – A Look Ahead The meeting industry is always impacted by economic conditions; however, the industry will take more time to recover and regain momentum based on other markets. The “2010: A Look Ahead” article takes several different event organizers’ perspectives and addresses questions, concerns and strategies that will deliver greater leverage in the current environment. Read More

Byline: Compiled by Michael Bassett, Rachel Gecker, Susan Hatch, Irene Korn, and Jeanne O’Brien Coffey Everyone has the ability to create positive change, both in their careers and in their industry. These 20 individuals have gained visibility among senior management in their companies by initiating strategic meetings management programs, developing companywide policies and practices, leveraging volume, and maximizing savings. They …

Original Article Published/ May 1, 2004: Meetings Net Washington Mutual Senior Vice President for Internal Communication Rob Hallam and his 15-person planning team learned last October about company-wide budget cuts that would drastically affect the company’s 16th annual “State of the Group” meeting just four months away. The theme: “It’s About You: Vision, Responsibility and Spirit,” was a lock. The …